I was just approved for my DTV and am elated. I submitted my documents to the Washington DC Embassy electronically on October 17 in the afternoon, so 9 business days in total.

I used my drivers license as proof of residence, used a selfie I took on my phone for the picture (against a white wall). Also took picture of my passport with my phone.

I used an American Express savings account statement showing one month of activity ending on October 6 for proof of funds.

I entered a friend’s condo address and reception I’ll initially stay at as my residence until I get my own place, and entered the flight number for the last leg of my trip to Bangkok.

I was not asked for any additional information.

I went the soft power route, booking a two-week cooking course through the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy. I paid them for the cooking course on October 16 via PayPal and received all of the necessary documents for my visa application the following day.

They also said it was fine if you want to split their 4-week course into two parts, and taking the second leg of classes at your convenience.

The director of admissions, Tanawan Malan, is extremely helpful and anyone interested in taking courses at the school, located in On Nut, can reach them here:

Ron@BangkokThaiCookingAcademy.com

All in all, it was a pretty seemless process that maybe took 2-3 hours (from paying the cooking school to getting the documents onto my computer to filling out the forms.) Your mileage may vary.

I cannot really see the point of using an agent if you’re doing things above board.

Good luck everyone!

Are there any DTV holders here who came from the Philippines?

The Philippines require an Exit Clearance for Overseas Employment (OEC). We should technically not be covered by this because a work permit is required to get this document. I've read though that Immigration Officers may require one to get an OEC and not allow someone to take their trip in its absence. This is wrong yes but I can imagine being helpless if that does happen.

Anybody here who can share the experience exiting the Philippines as a DTV holder?

After 18 years moved from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok, had to do my 1st 90 days after moving and tried online which got rejected. Then tried to make an apppointment at Bangkok immigration but the appointments are all full till way over my 90 days report date 11 November......What to do? Can I just walk in?

Hi All, need your expert advise.

I am presently on Non-B visa with work permit.

Is there a possibility to change my visa to Non-O (marriage) without leaving the country?

Just leaving US for Thailand. Wife is Thai. Flying Delta / Korea air.

1. Delta requested my visa, so fortunately I have an e-visa 90 days. Return ticket in January. Wife has no return ticket and they requested her visa, but instead accepted her Thai passport in place of return ticket.

My wife thai living in the uk for over 5 year soon will have uk citizenship she has a daughter in Thailand 13 years of age now wanting to live in the uk as my wife’s mother passed away few months ago which type of visa would we make any one else been in this situation ? Any good input greatly appreciated

Just wanted to give a shout out to the Immigration office in Udon Thani regarding my 30 day extension following 60 day visa exempt. In and out within about 40 minutes, they were very helpful and spoke English well. I only had to give them 2000 baht, my passport and tell them where l was staying and they did all the paperwork and took my photo with no further questions asked. Job well done.

✨ Successfully Opened a Thai Bank Account without Agent or Insurance ✨

(Your experience may vary.)

I just want to share my experience opening a Thai bank account without needing an agent or insurance, after running around to 10 different branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (since I was traveling around anyway). I’ve included a picture as proof, though I’ve hidden personal details for privacy. Hopefully, this helps some of you—though keep in mind, it may not work the same for everyone, depending on when and where you try. Good luck! 🍀

Branch: Bangkok Bank (Central Festival Chiang Mai)

Banker: When I went, there were two bankers—one male, one female. I chose the male banker without glasses. (Sorry I was too happy and forgotten to write down his name). I’m not sure if other bankers are as tourist/customer-friendly as the one who helped me.

Tips:

* Present yourself well—I avoided wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or slippers.

* Be really polite and pleasant

* I also mentioned I wanted to deposit 10,000 THB.

Documents I Brought:

* Passport with DTV Visa

* TM30

* Rental lease (for proof of address)

* Thai SIM card (for OTPs) -I already have this number for some time now.

* I also had a Thai driving license I got years ago on a 30-day visa-exempt, though I’m unsure if it helped my case.

* I brought the bank statements (I showed for DTV application) to proof I have more than enough funds to support myself in Thailand (Again, I do not know if this helps, but since I already have those documents printed as extra copies for DTV, I just show to the banker too)

I hope this helps others navigating the process! All the best.

Hi All ,

Are there anybody who knows about this ?

According to the law, anyone who stays in Thailand for over 180 days out of a calendar year will be considered a tax resident by the Thai government. You will be liable to pay Thai taxes on your foreign income if you are a tax resident, even if you hold a Destination Thailand Visa.

Can I apply for a DTV visa (soft power) when I enroll in a yoga teacher training in Thailand? Has anybody done this route? Or is it exclusively for muay thai, cooking classes, and medical treatments only?